The mountaineer and doctor of Saint-Jérôme Richard Cartier, aged in his sixties, lost his life this weekend during an expedition to the mountain of 8611 meters, located in Pakistan. The news spread by the “Himalayan Times” was confirmed by the family of the deceased on Facebook.
Mr. Cartier’s teammate, Australian Matt Eakin, also died during the expedition. The two climbers reached camp 4 located at 7600 meters, but died a few days later during their descent.
Justin Dubé-Fahmy, another Quebec member of the group taking part in the expedition, documented their stay on his Facebook page since June 10. His last publication dates back to July 21.
“Tuesday we did BC at the Japanese C3, 7000 m, he says. We thought it was the C2.5 but no! Richard, Matt and I were burnt out. 16 hours of climbing. Then today we touched lower C4 (7600 m). Back at Base Camp tomorrow. It is starting to get cold. We are very tired after these two big days, ”he wrote.
This sad news is reminiscent of a similar incident that occurred in 2018, when another Quebec mountaineer, Serge Dessureault, died while trying to reach the top of this same mountain.
8611 meters high, K2 is located in northern Pakistan. Less popular and lower than the well-known Mount Everest, the ascent of K2 remains more deadly. Thus, the mortality rate among those who attempt its ascent reaches more than 20%, compared to 4% for Everest.
On social media, a close friend of Mr. Cartier, Jacques Lamontagne, described the mountaineer as a “climbing partner and an exemplary friend”. “Richard was always smiling, funny and in a good mood,” he wrote. He had an incredible ability to listen, a great humility, always kind, and he was of boundless generosity. He was also one hell of an athlete with thousands of miles of marathon running, rock climbing and biking under his belt. »
With The Canadian Press